A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stop controversial plans to build a housing estate on a wildlife site.

Castle Point MP Bob Spink has given out hundreds of posters to residents opposing the proposals, which could see a 13-acre site off The Chase, Thundersley, developed by Barratt Homes.

In September, Barratt submitted a planning application to Castle Point Council to build 150 homes.

Dr Spink fears the initial development will lead to even more homes, as the council earmarked the whole 25 acres of green fields for development in 1998.

He said: “Nobody should be fooled that the council will stop with this development, it’s the thin end of the wedge.

“I expect there to be double the amount of homes proposed, because the council is determined to build there. We must try to stop them.

“The area is an important green space for the people of Thundersley, and a vital natural habitat.”

The area is part of the Thundersley Plotlands wildlife site, and is a known habitat for badgers and rare reptiles, including newts and slow worms.

In 2004, Jetbury Investment submitted plans for 310 homes on the site, but this was held up after Natural England said permission should not be granted until an environmental impact survey had been carried out.

Meanwhile, hundreds of residents have written in to the council objecting to the proposals. Simon Shepherd, 46, of The Chase, who has opposed all attempts to build on the land, said: “It’s one of the few bits of green space we’ve got left in Thundersley.

“I don’t understand how it can be designated a wildlife area but they can still build on it. I suppose it all comes down to money in the end.”

David Marchant, chief executive of Castle Point Council, said any development in the area would have to pass a strict environmental impact assessment.

Mr Marchant added the council had received a revised planning application from Barratt, but would not say how it had been changed.

He said: “We hope it will go to the development control committee in March for a decision.”